Conscience

Passage – For we take pride in this: that our conscience assures us that in our dealings with the world, and especially with you, we have conducted ourselves with frankness and godly pureness of motive — not by worldly wisdom but by God-given grace. 2 Corinthians 1:12

Restated in my own words – Paul took pride in knowing that regardless of what others said or thought, he had a clear conscience before the Lord because he behaved truthfully, with pure motive, in God’s grace and wisdom.

Application to my life – I have to say, “Wow! can I relate”. I know I don’t do everything perfect, I am so far from it! I can say I do things out of a pure motive and I’m generally frank instead of beating around the bush. I know that God’s grace and wisdom has brought me where I am.

I let God be my defender when others speak lies about me because I can’t battle nicely when I go on defense. I have such a deep viciousness that comes out, a part of my flesh that I constantly battle, when I feel like I have to protect myself. But I can take pride in knowing my heart is to honor God in all my actions. I know that when I step out wrong I don’t need man to convict me. God does that quite well!

Your response back to God – Lord thank You for reminding me that I’m not called to bow to the opinions of man but instead to act in confidence and honesty and pure motive. I am to depend on Your grace and wisdom to take me where I need to be. Lord I want to obey You. Help me to step out in obedience into Your will with a clear conscience.